Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Budget Hotel? (You Won't Believe the Price!)
Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Budget Hotel? (You Won't Believe the Price!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just emerged from an exploratory mission to Sault Ste. Marie, and I'm here to spill the (surprisingly affordable) tea on what they're calling Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Budget Hotel? (You Won't Believe the Price!). Prepare for a review that’s less polished brochure and more… a late-night chat with a slightly caffeinated friend. I'm talking unvarnished truth, the good, the bad, and the gloriously indifferent. This place is no Four Seasons, but hey, who needs a gold-plated faucet when you’re trying to save a buck AND explore this captivating city?
First Impressions: The Price (and the Name…)
Okay, let's get the obvious out of the way: the price. Seriously, I did a double-take. I'm not going to spoil the surprise, but let's just say you can probably find it cheaper than a used copy of a Lonely Planet guide. That immediately sets a certain expectation… and, well, the name isn't exactly catchy. But hey, let's see what this place has to offer, shall we?
Accessibility - A Plus (Sort Of…)
The website promised accessibility, and they delivered mostly. There's an elevator, which is crucial. Lobby access was smooth. Some rooms are designated as wheelchair-accessible but make sure you CALL and confirm before booking as it is not clearly stated on the website.
On-Site Dining (And Avoiding the Kitchen Sink)
Here's where things get interesting. There's a restaurant AND a bar on site. It's not exactly Michelin-star material, mind you. Let's get real: the buffet breakfast? Meh. Standard continental fare. You get your toast, your slightly rubbery scrambled eggs, the usual suspects. They do have a toaster, and that's a win.
- Breakfast [buffet] - Fine for a quick bite to get you going, but don't expect haute cuisine.
- Bar - Decent, and the bartenders were friendly. Perfect for a nightcap before you crash.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, you will not have to spend your own money, good job.
- Restaurants: Again, fine, and they had a vegetarian option (hallelujah!). However, don't expect fancy.
Internet (The Lifeline of the Modern Traveler)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise Be! Works great and easy to connect to.
- Internet [LAN] - Didn't bother with it. Wi-fi was perfectly adequate.
- Internet services: Good, good, good.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Also available, though I spent most of my time in my room.
Things to Do (and Some Ways to Relax)
This is where staying here actually makes sense. The money you save can be spent – wait for it – on doing things in Sauit Ste. Marie!
Fitness center: It's small, but it had a treadmill and some weights. Let's be honest, I used it… once. After that, I found the pool more appealing.
Swimming pool (Outdoor): The pool itself was nice. (The kind of pool you'd expect. It was clean and refreshing!
Spa/sauna: I didn’t visit the spa, but in the brochure (and the website) it did look gorgeous.
Things to do: This is the real appeal. You're not locked into an expensive hotel. You get to explore.
Cleanliness and Safety (The All-Important Stuff!)
Okay, this is where I was pleasantly surprised.
- Cleanliness: Surprisingly clean, especially for a budget hotel.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Seemed like they were using them, which I greatly appreciate.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Essentials
- A la carte in restaurant: Available.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Adequate, not amazing.
- Coffee shop: No, but the restaurant serves coffee.
- Happy hour: YES! A lifesaver after a long day of adventuring and exploring.
- Snack bar: Nope. Make sure to stock up at a convenience store.
- Good food - Food in general was good.
- Breakfast service: Great for the price.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Yup. Not perfect, but good.
- Elevator YES.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Some, as mentioned above, double check.
- Laundry service: Available. (Thank goodness!)
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes (in the rooms).
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Nice for a quick breath of fresh air.
- Wi-Fi for special events: For special events? No special events, I just want to work.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
- Family/child friendly: Very.
- Kids meal: Yes
The Room: My Personal Oasis (or Not?)
The Available in all rooms are a nice touch!
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Coffee/tea maker: Always a plus!
- Desk: Good for working (or procrastinating).
- Free bottled water: Much appreciated.
- Internet access – wireless: Naturally.
- Refrigerator: Handy for keeping drinks cold.
- Seating area: Comfortable enough.
- Shower: Fine, adequate.
- Smoke detector: Thank goodness.
- Soundproofing: Mediocre, I could hear the hallway but better than some places I've stayed in.
- Wake-up service: Worked perfectly!
Getting Around (and Back Home Again)
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes.
The Quirks (and The Imperfections)
Okay, here's where I get a little real.
- The Lighting: The lighting in the room was a bit… dim. Fine for sleeping, not so great for reading.
- The View: My room faced the parking lot. Let's just say I didn't spend much time gazing out the window.
- The Soundproofing (or Lack Thereof): I could definitely hear the hallway hustle and bustle. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
The Anecdote That Made Me Chuckle
One morning, I was enjoying my slightly-rubbery-but-still-edible scrambled eggs when I overheard a conversation at the next table. "This toast," one guest proclaimed, "is the perfect amount of burnt. Not too much. Just right." I kind of loved that. It completely sums up the vibe. It's not fancy, it's imperfect, but it's… kinda perfect for the price.
My Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, YES! If you're looking for a budget-friendly base camp to explore Sault Ste. Marie, this is a winner. It's clean, safe, and convenient. The location is good. You get all the basics, and the money you save can be spent on the real reason you're there: exploring this wonderful city and not paying for pointless extras.
My Opinionated Take: The Human Touch
Look, this isn’t a five-star palace. If you expect perfection, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for a comfortable, affordable, and functional place to stay while you experience everything Sault Ste. Marie has to offer, it's fantastic. I actually liked it. It had charm (in its own, slightly-worn way).
Here's My Offer:
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Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Budget Hotel? (You Won't Believe the Price!)
Escape to Sault Ste. Marie without Breaking the Bank!
- Clean, Comfortable Rooms: Rest easy in well-maintained rooms equipped with everything you need (and lots of things you didn't know you needed).
- Superb Location: Close to all the must-see attractions.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected!
- Delicious Breakfast (Buffet): Fuel your adventures with a simple breakfast.
- Friendly Staff: Service is available at every hour of the day!
And the best reason to book?*
You will have enough money left over to fully enjoy your stay in Sault Ste. Marie.
Limited Time Offer: Book now, and experience Sault Ste. Marie without spending a fortune. Click Here to Book Your Unbelievable Deal!
**
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into a travel itinerary so gloriously messy, so authentically human, it'll make your head spin faster than a squirrel in a hurricane. We’re talking about a trip to… wait for it… Americas Best Value Inn in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Yes, the jewel of budget travel. Let’s get this show on the road.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Wi-Fi (and Sanity)
- Afternoon: The Drive (or, the Great Migration)
- Okay, so the drive was supposed to be scenic. Google Maps promised rolling green hills and charming roadside diners. What I got was… well, mostly highway, and the diner I did see looked like it hadn't been updated since the Eisenhower administration. Let's just say my emotional state was oscillating wildly between "hungry" and "mildly irritated."
- Arrived at the ABVI (fancy abbreviation, eh?) expecting, you know, something. Let's just say the exterior painted a pretty accurate picture, even if the picture was one of a slightly tired, slightly faded motel-style building. The lobby was… functional. The coffee machine was questionable.
- The Wi-Fi Saga Begins: Immediately, the Wi-Fi became a holy quest. Apparently, "free Wi-Fi" at ABVI means "sporadic bursts of connectivity that resemble a dying signal from a distant star." Hours were spent pacing, muttering incantations, and praying to the router gods.
- Evening: Dinner (and a Deep Dive into the Local Cuisine)
- Found a "family restaurant" nearby. The kind with the dim lighting, the vinyl booths, and a menu thicker than my arm. Ordered a burger (because, America). It arrived… well, let's just say it was a burger. Edible, but not life-altering. The waitress, bless her heart, had seen it all. She probably saw my existential dread over the Wi-Fi. Gave her an extra-generous tip just for putting up with me.
- The Abyss of Boredom: After dinner: Television and a novel. The novel felt pointless in its un-reality, and the television felt… tired. The world felt… small.
- Night: The Revelation
- The Bed: Actually a comfortable sleep. It was a solid and restful sleep. The best rest.
- Final Thoughts: "Well. This is life."
Day 2: Locking it On!
- Morning: Breakfast (or, the Battle for Sustenance)
- Breakfast at the motel was… well, there was breakfast. Cereal that tasted like cardboard, a few sad-looking pastries, and coffee that could strip paint. Fueling up for the day, one lukewarm cup at a time.
- Quirky Observation: The other guests were a fascinating mix. A family arguing loudly about who stole the last waffle. A trucker nursing a giant mug of coffee. A couple in matching tracksuits. I was convinced they were undercover squirrels.
- Late Morning: The Soo Locks (or, Observing Humanity in Action)
- The Soo Locks are the main event. A massive feat of engineering. Watched some massive freighters glide through, a proper display.
- Emotional Reaction: At the Soo Locks, I was struck by a sudden wave of… awe? At the sheer scale of it all, the power of the engineering, the movement of the gears.
- The Boat Ride: It was a little touristy, yeah, but being on the water, seeing the locks from below, feeling the spray… surprisingly emotional!
- The Gift Shop: Got the standard "I visited the Soo Locks" bumper sticker and a t-shirt that probably cost more than the hamburger.
- Afternoon: The Other Side of the Water (or, Embracing the Awkward)
- Drove across the bridge to Canada (because, why not?). A sudden, jarring switch to kilometers, and that immediate feeling of "wait, how fast am I actually going?"
- The Casino: The casino: a wonderland of flashing lights and artificial smiles. I put in way too much money in a slot machine called "Lucky Leprechaun" and I did not get lucky. Lost $50 in about five minutes. Went back to the motel, defeated, but not without a smile.
- Evening: Another Dinner (or, The Quest for a Good Meal Continues)
- Found another restaurant. I was hoping for better.
- The Waiter: My waiter was nice, though. A young kid, maybe 19, who looked like he hadn't slept in days. He kept apologizing for delays, looking genuinely stressed. Gave him a tip, and a comforting pep talk.
- The Food Again: The food was… fine. Not great, not terrible. Just… food.
- Night: The Bed
- Same story as the prior night, a very comfortable sleep.
Day 3: Departure (and the Promise of a New Adventure)
- Morning: A Last Hurrah of Breakfast and the Road Ahead
- The breakfast situation remained… consistent. Cereal. Coffee. Departure.
- The Goodbye: Said goodbye to the ABVI, with a mix of relief and a strange, almost affectionate fondness. It was the perfect embodiment of "it's the imperfections that make it perfect."
- Afternoon: Driving Off
- The road calls. The sun shines. It's time for something something.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so maybe the Americas Best Value Inn wasn't a five-star resort. Maybe the food wasn't Michelin-rated. But it was real. It was authentic. It was a slice of life, wrapped up in a slightly threadbare bedsheet. And in a way, that's what made it perfect. This wasn't about luxury; this was about the experience, the awkwardness, the occasional moments of pure, unfiltered joy. And yes, I'd go back. Maybe I need to get more into casinos and locks. Until next time, Sault Ste. Marie. You were… interesting.
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Sault Ste. Marie's "BEST Budget Hotel"? (Yeah, Right!) Let's Untangle This Mess...
Okay, spill the beans. Is this "BEST Budget Hotel" *actually* good? The price tag sounds too good to be true…
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because "good" is relative, and "budget" is... well, it's *definitely* the operative word here. Look, the price? Yeah, it's shockingly low. You'll think you've accidentally stumbled onto a time-travel portal to the 90s, price-wise. But don't let that sunshine blind you. Think of it less as a luxurious escape and more as... an *adventure*. A slightly threadbare, possibly moth-eaten, but undeniably cheap adventure. My first time? Pure adrenaline. I booked it, saw the price, and was like, "WHAT?! AM I DREAMING?" Then reality hit. Let's just say the lobby vaguely resembled a set from a low-budget zombie flick. But for the price? I was in.
What's the room situation like? Do I need to bring my own bleach, or...
Okay, honesty time: Pack some wipes. The cleanliness level... is *variable*. Let's call it "charmingly rustic." I once found a… a *suspicious* stain on the carpet that may or may not have been a map of some very questionable geographical location. I kept it, though. It was almost an attraction itself. The sheets? Well, they *appear* to have been washed, but… I'd probably sleep in my clothes if I were you. But hey, the price? Remember that. Also, the shower? It's a crapshoot. Water pressure of zero isn't uncommon. Bring patience and maybe a small bucket.
Is there free breakfast? Because I NEED free breakfast. My budget demands it.
"Breakfast." Let’s call it a *vague suggestion* of sustenance. I once witnessed the coffee machine cough up a brown, sludgy substance that I'm pretty sure was the very essence of despair. There *might* be pre-packaged muffins. They're usually stale, but hey, free carbs are free carbs, right? Just… don't expect anything resembling a gourmet experience. Think more "survive," less "thrive." But again, remember the PRICE! Your wallet will sing! One time, some guy – a serious, business-suit type – actually *tried* to complain about the coffee. I just burst out laughing. Like, dude, what did you EXPECT? You paid twenty bucks! Go to Starbucks if you want java that isn't plotting to end your life.
What about the location? Is it near anything interesting? Can I *walk* anywhere, or am I doomed?
Location... well, that's another adventure. "Near" is also relative. It's *in* Sault Ste. Marie. Which is a bonus if you want to be in that city! It's probably not right on the waterfront. Unless you're *really* lucky, and by lucky, I mean, you've accidentally opened the door to the Twilight Zone. You *might* be able to walk to a… gas station. And a slightly questionable diner that serves the kind of greasy spoon fare that'll either kill you or give you a renewed appreciation for life. But hey, Uber exists, right? Just factor that into your budget. I found myself here initially to see the Soo Locks. Did I end up seeing the locks? Yes. Did I spend a decent part of my trip trying to find a reliable, non-creepy taxi service? Absolutely! Worth it? Definitely.
Are there any amenities? Like, a pool? Or... a working elevator?
A pool? Buddy, you're dreaming. Unless you count the rusty bathtub that's seen better decades. And an elevator? Hah! God, I love a good joke. Prepare for stairs. Lots and lots of stairs. And the stairs? They creak. Loudly. You'll swear you're in a haunted house, and honestly, you might be. They also have a TV. It's old, and reception is spotty—mostly static. And the remote? Probably held together with duct tape and the faint hope of better tomorrows. But again... the price. One time, I was dragging my massive suitcase up four flights of stairs, and I was panting like a dog. I caught a glimpse of a cleaning lady looking at me over her mop. I swear—she winked. It was a knowing wink. We were in this together.
Okay, okay. So, it's cheap. But is it *safe*? Am I going to get murdered in my sleep?
Alright, let's be brutally honest here: I've never felt *unsafe*. The staff? They're usually fine, overworked, and possibly slightly traumatized from years of dealing with… well, *us*. It’s very no-frills. There might be a security guard, or a guy who *looks* like a security guard, who's probably just trying to watch the TV. But if you're generally aware and use common sense, you'll be okay. Trust me. The biggest threat is probably the questionable coffee. Once, I had a run-in with a particularly loud snoring roommate. That was almost murder. But, you know, it's all part of the experience.
Would you stay there again? Given everything we just talked about?
HELL YES. Honestly? If I need a place to crash that won't bankrupt me, and remember I'm in Sault Ste. Marie, this is it. It's a unique experience, and it leaves a mark on your soul. I have been a millionaire a hundred times, staying at some of the world’s best hotels, but this hotel is different. It's a slice of life. And for a price like that? You can't beat it. The flaws make the place, the place. It's a story, a conversation-starter, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the cheapest option is the most memorable. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just… probably with a hazmat suit and a healthy dose of humor.
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